Welcome to

Education is taking center stage in the race to become Florida’s next Governor. Republican Rick Scott wants to help more students attend private and charter schools, while Democrat Alex Sink wants more money for public schools. As Whitney Ray tells us, Florida’s school voucher program is at the center of the debate.

Second graders at this Tallahassee private school are learning about hurricane preparedness.

Many of them wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for Florida’s school voucher program. 11th grader Travis Blanks, a member of the national honor society and football standout, is here on scholarship.

“My mom though that it would be the best fit for me, but financially there would just be no way that I could get in,” said Blanks.

30-thousand Florida students receive vouchers. The scholarships are funded through a corporate tax credit. Republican Candidate for Governor Rick Scott wants to expand the program, but his opponent Democrat Alex Sink doesn’t like the idea.

“I don’t support any further expansion of that program until we are able to assure ourselves that public schools are adequately funded,” said Sink.

Sink wants to increase spending for public schools and Pre-K programs, while Scott wants to lower property taxes that help fund education; although Scott says *overall* funding for education wouldn’t be cut.

We talked about how the candidates differ, but one issue both Scott and Sink agree on is that the state needs a performance pay system for teachers.

A merit pay push during this year’s legislative session outraged thousands of teachers because they were locked out of the process. The candidates are promising open dialogue in any future merit pay discussions.

For more details about each candidates’ education plans we’ve attached links to Scott and Sinks plans.

Sink’s Plan: www.alexsink2010.com/issues?id=0011
Scott’s Plan www.rickscottforflorida.com/home/issues/educating-floridas-workforce/